Curved glass

Curved glass in doors and secure-house.co.uk security windows adds a unique and elegant touch to the architectural design of any home. It provides both aesthetic and functional benefits and is a popular choice with our clients who are wanting to add something a little different to their new front door or windows.

We’ve had an increase in enquiries about curved glass in the last year so we thought we’d put together an in-depth blog post on how it can be used and how it could enhance your home.

What is curved glass?

Curved glass refers to glass that has been shaped into a curved form using a variety of manufacturing processes to create the curved shape. It is used in a wide range of applications due to its aesthetic appeal, structural properties, and functional versatility. Read on to find out more about how we use curved glass in applications for doors and windows.

Doors

• Entry Doors: Curved glass can be used in entry doors to create a grand and inviting entrance. It can be part of the door itself or as sidelights (windows on the sides of the door).
• Sliding Doors: Curved glass sliding doors are popular in contemporary homes and commercial buildings, offering a sleek and modern look.
• French Doors: Curved glass panels in French doors add a touch of elegance and sophistication, enhancing the visual appeal of the entryway.
• Revolving Doors: Often seen in commercial buildings and hotels, curved glass revolving doors provide an impressive entrance while managing traffic flow efficiently.

Windows

1. Bay Windows: Curved glass bay windows extend outwards from the wall, creating more space inside and providing panoramic views. This is probably the most commonly seen application for curved glass in the home.
2. Bow Windows: Similar to bay windows but with a more rounded appearance, bow windows consist of multiple curved glass panels.
3. Corner Windows: Curved glass corner windows allow for unobstructed views around building corners, maximizing natural light and views.
4. Skylights: Curved glass skylights can be used to create a continuous, unbroken expanse of glass that follows the contours of the roof, providing natural light and a sense of openness.
5. Atriums and Conservatories: Curved glass is often used in the construction of atriums and conservatories to create a seamless connection with the outdoors.

Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: The smooth, flowing lines of curved glass add a modern and sophisticated look to any building.
• Natural Light: Curved glass allows for larger window areas, increasing the amount of natural light that enters the space.
• Unobstructed Views: Curved glass provides panoramic views, enhancing the connection with the outdoors.
• Energy Efficiency: Advanced manufacturing techniques allow for the creation of insulated curved glass, which helps in maintaining energy efficiency by reducing heat loss.
• Design Flexibility: Curved glass can be customized to fit a wide range of architectural styles and requirements, allowing for unique and innovative designs.

Considerations

There are a few considerations that you should take into account when selecting curved glass. These include:

• Cost: Curved glass is typically more expensive than flat glass due to the specialized manufacturing processes required.
• Installation: Requires skilled labour and precise installation techniques to ensure proper fitting and performance which is why you should always employ an expert installer such as Secure House.
• Structural Support: Curved glass installations often require additional structural support to ensure stability and safety so this needs to be taken into account at the design stage.

Manufacturing Techniques

As stated, there are a number of different manufacturing techniques that are used to create curved glass.

• Heat Bending: Glass is heated until it becomes pliable and then shaped using a mould. This method is commonly used for creating large curved glass panels such as those used in doors or oversize windows.
• Cold Bending: Glass is bent at room temperature using mechanical force and held in place by a frame. This technique is typically used for applications requiring slight curves.
• Laminating: Multiple layers of glass are laminated together with a plastic interlayer while being curved, resulting in a strong and safe glass panel.

Examples

• Residential Buildings: High-end homes often feature curved glass doors and windows to create a modern, luxurious appearance.
• Commercial Buildings: Offices, hotels, and retail spaces use curved glass for facades, entrance doors, and interior partitions to create an inviting and upscale environment.
• Public Buildings: Museums, galleries, and cultural centres utilize curved glass to enhance their architectural presence and provide unobstructed views.

Curved glass in doors and windows is a versatile and stylish choice that enhances both the form and function of architectural designs, making spaces brighter, more open, and visually appealing. If you’d like to add some curved glass in your home, please don’t hesitate to contact the professional team here at Secure House on 0207 859 4207 info@secure-house.co.uk